Surgical staple

ABSTRACT

A surgical staple ( 714 ) for inserting into one or more bone parts ( 10, 12 ) comprises a plate ( 718 ), a first screw ( 748 ) and a second screw ( 748 ). The plate ( 718 ) includes a first end ( 768 F), an opposed second end ( 768 S), a first aperture ( 742 ) that is positioned near the first end ( 768 F), and a second aperture ( 742 ) that is positioned near the second end ( 768 S). Additionally, the plate ( 718 ) is curved along a length of the plate ( 718 ) from the first end ( 768 F) to the second end ( 768 S). The first screw ( 748 ) extends through the first aperture ( 742 ). The second screw ( 748 ) extends through the second aperture ( 742 ). Further, the first screw ( 748 ) and the second screw ( 748 ) are angled toward one another when the surgical staple ( 714 ) is in a relaxed configuration.

RELATED INVENTION

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/605,269, filed Mar. 1, 2012 and entitled “SURGICAL STAPLE”; andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/642,353, filed May 3, 2012 andentitled “SURGICAL STAPLE”. As far as permitted, the contents of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/605,269 and 61/642,353 areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Surgical staples are often utilized for closure of the skin in a widevariety of surgical procedures. Additionally, surgical staples can beutilized to move and/or maintain bones or bone parts substantiallyadjacent to one another after certain surgical procedures. Moreover,surgical staples are often utilized to compress and hold together inplace two displaced pieces of bone while healing. Often a hole or holesare necessary in the bone material for proper insertion of the surgicalstaples. It is desired that the surgical staples provide the necessaryforce distribution to inhibit leakage.

SUMMARY

In one application, the present invention is directed toward a surgicalstaple for inserting into one or more bone parts, the surgical staplebeing selectively movable between a relaxed configuration and an openedconfiguration. In certain embodiments, the surgical staple comprises aplate, a first screw and a second screw. The plate includes a first end,an opposed second end, a first aperture that is positioned near thefirst end, and a second aperture that is positioned near the second end.Additionally, the plate is curved along a length of the plate from thefirst end to the second end. The first screw extends through the firstaperture. The second screw extends through the second aperture. Further,the first screw and the second screw are angled toward one aonther whenthe surgical staple is in the relaxed configuration.

In one embodiment, the plate has an angle of curvature of betweenapproximately 16.0 and 26.0 degrees. Additionally and/or alternatively,in one embodiment, the plate includes a center that is positionedbetween and spaced apart form the first end and the second end, and theplate has a plate deflection from the center to the first end of betweenapproximately 2.0 and 3.0 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the surgical staple further comprises a first sidesection and a second side section that cantilever away from the plate,the first side section cantilevering away from the plate near the firstend, and the second side section cantilevering away from the plate nearthe second end. In one such embodiment, the first screw extends throughthe first side section, and the second screw extends through the secondside section. Additionally, in certain such embodiments, the first sidesection and the second side section are angled toward one aonther whenthe surgical staple is in the relaxed configuration. In one suchembodiment, the first side section cantilevers away from the plate at aleg angle of between approxmately 75.0 and 85.0 degrees when thesurgical staple is in the relaxed configuration.

Further, in certain embodiments, the plate is made from a resilientmaterial

Additionally, in another application, the present invention is directedtoward a surgical staple for inserting into one or more bone parts, thesurgical staple being selectively movable between a relaxedconfiguration and an opened configuration, the surgical staplecomprising (i) a middle section; and (ii) a first side section thatcantilevers away from the middle section, the first side sectionincluding an upper portion that is positioned substantially adjacent tothe middle section and an end that is positioned away from the middlesection, wherein the end is at least approximately five percent widerthan the upper portion.

Further, in still another application, the present invention is directedtoward a method for compressing a first bone part and a second bonepart, the method comprising the steps of (i) positioning a platesubstantially adjacent to at least one of the first bone part and thesecond bone part, the plate including a first end, an opposed secondend, a first aperture that is positioned near the first end, and asecond aperture that is positioned near the second end, the plate beingcurved along a length of the plate from the first end to the second end,and the plate being selectively movable between a relaxed configurationand an opened configuration; (ii) extending a first screw through thefirst aperture and into the first bone part; and (iii) extending asecond screw through the second aperture and into the second bone part,the first screw and the second screw being angled toward one aontherwhen the plate is in the relaxed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of a first bone part, asecond bone part, and an embodiment of a surgical staple having featuresof the present invention that can be utilized to hold the bone partstogether;

FIG. 2A is a simplified front view of an embodiment of a surgical staplehaving features of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a simplified top view of the surgical staple of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a sectional view of the surgical staple taken on line C-C inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a simplified bottom view of a portion of the surgical stapleof FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of a portion of the surgical staple asindicated by circle and arrows E-E in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a simplified perspective view of another embodiment of asurgical staple having features of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a simplified front view of the surgical staple of FIG. 3A,wherein the surgical staple is in a relaxed configuration;

FIG. 3C is a simplified front view of the surgical staple of FIG. 3A,wherein the surgical staple is in an opened configuration;

FIG. 3D is a simplified top view of the surgical staple of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a simplified front view of still another embodiment of asurgical staple having features of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a simplified top view of the surgical staple of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the surgical staple taken on line C-C inFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is an enlarged view of a portion of the surgical staple asindicated by circle and arrows D-D in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a simplified front view of yet another embodiment of asurgical staple having features of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the surgical staple asindicated by circle and arrows B-B in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a simplified top view of the surgical staple of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a sectional view of the surgical staple taken on line D-D inFIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a simplified front view of still another embodiment of asurgical staple having features of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a simplified perspective view of still yet another embodimentof a surgical staple having features of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a simplified top view of the surgical staple of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 7C is a sectional view of the surgical staple taken on line C-C inFIG. 7B.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of a first bone part 10, asecond bone part 12, and an embodiment of a surgical staple 14 havingfeatures of the present invention that can be utilized to hold the boneparts 10, 12 together.

In certain applications, prior to insertion of the surgical staple 14,the bone parts 10, 12 can be prepared by drilling or otherwise forming ahole 16 (illustrated in phantom) in each of the bone parts 10.Subsequently, the surgical staple 14 can be inserted as desired with aportion of the surgical staple 14 being effectively and securelypositioned within the hole 16 in each of the bone parts 10, 12.Additionally, the surgical staple 14 can be used for certain desiredpurposes, e.g., for closure of the skin adjacent to the bone parts 10,12, for moving and/or maintaining the bone parts 10, 12 substantiallyadjacent to one another, and/or for compressing and holding together inplace the bone parts 10, 12 while healing. Additionally and/oralternatively, the surgical staple 14 can be utilized for other suitablepurposes.

The design of the surgical staple 14 can be varied. As illustrated, incertain embodiments, the surgical staple 14 can be somewhat horseshoeshaped, and the surgical staple 14 can include a substantially flatmiddle section 18 and two side sections, i.e. a first side section 20Aand a second side section 20B, that cantilever away from the middlesection 18. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the middle section 18can be curved or arched.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the surgical staple 14 is selectivelymovable between a relaxed configuration and an opened configuration,with the surgical staple 14 having resilient properties such that thesurgical staple 14 is biased to return and/or move toward the relaxedconfiguration. When in the relaxed configuration, each of the sidesections 20A, 20B can cantilever away from the middle section 18 at anangle of less than ninety degrees such that the side sections 20A, 20Bare angled slightly toward one another. Conversely, when in the openedconfiguration, each of the side sections 20A, 20B can cantilever awayfrom the middle section 18 at an angle of closer to ninety degrees,e.g., approximately ninety degrees in one such embodiment. In suchembodiments, during use, the surgical staple 14 can be moved from therelaxed configuration to the opened configuration manually,automatically, and/or with the use of a tool, and the surgical staple 14can be inserted into the holes 16 in the bone parts 10, 12 when thesurgical staple is in the opened configuration. After insertion, thebias of the surgical staple 14 causes the side sections 20A, 20B to movesomewhat (or at least try to move depending on the specific orientationof the holes 16) toward one another, i.e. toward the relaxedconfiguration. With this design, the surgical staple 14 can bemaintained securely within the holes 16, and the side sections 20A, 20Bcan provide improved compressing and holding together of the bone parts10, 12 during the healing process.

Further, each side section 20A, 20B can have an end 22 that is somewhattapered such that the end 22 is narrower in cross-section (i.e. in atleast one direction) than the majority of the side section 20A, 20B tobetter enable insertion of the surgical staple 14 into the bone parts10, 12. Further, the side sections 20A, 20B of the surgical staple 14can include a plurality of teeth 24 that are angled so as to enable easyinsertion of the surgical staple 14, while also inhibiting removal ofthe surgical staple 14 from the bone parts 10, 12.

As an overview, with the design of the surgical staple 14 as illustratedand described herein, the surgical staple 14 can achieve certain desiredbenefits. For example, the angling of the side sections 20A, 20B towardone another while in the relaxed configuration, as well as the arch orcurvature of the middle section 18 (in certain embodiments) help toprovide better holding together and compression between the bone parts10, 12 during the healing process. Additionally, the side sections 20A,20B of the surgical staple 14 can have a wider foot design, which alsohelps to enable the realization of certain benefits. More particularly,the wider foot design of the side sections 20A, 20B enables (i) morecomplete filling of the holes 16 in the bone parts 10, 12 by the sidesections 20A, 20B; (ii) better force distribution against the bonematerial within the bone parts 10, 12 due to the larger surface area ofthe side sections 20A, 20B; (iii) better bone to bone compression as aresult of the better force distribution, because the side sections 20A,20B can move the bone parts 10, 12 together more effectively than justcutting into the bone; and (iv) moving the bone parts 10, 12 a greaterdistance with the side sections 20A, 20B as a result of the morecomplete filling of the holes 16 to further provide better compression.

Moreover, as noted above, the unique design of the teeth 24 enables easyinsertion of the surgical staple 14, i.e. the side sections 20A, 20B,into the holes 16 in the bone parts 10, 12, while inhibiting removal ofthe surgical staple 14 from the bone parts 10, 12 after insertion.

Further, in one embodiment, the surgical staple 14 can be formed from anitinol superelastic material. Alternatively, the surgical staple 14 canbe made from another appropriately resilient, flexible and/or elasticmaterial. Moreover, as illustrated, the surgical staple 14 can have aunitary construction such that the surgical staple 14 can be formed froma single piece of nitinol superelastic material, or other appropriatematerial. With this design, the connections between the middle section18 and each of the side sections 20A, 20B can be somewhat rounded,thereby inhibiting potential discomfort for the patient into whom thesurgical staple 14 is inserted. Alternatively, the surgical staple 14can be made of individual sections that are secured together.

FIG. 2A is a simplified front view of an embodiment of a surgical staple214 having features of the present invention. The design and size of thesurgical staple 214 can be varied to suit the specific requirements ofthe procedure being performed and/or the patient with whom the surgicalstaple 214 is being used. As illustrated in this embodiment, thesurgical staple 214 is again somewhat horseshoe shaped, and the surgicalstaple 214 again includes a substantially flat middle section 218 andtwo side sections, i.e. a first side section 220A and a second sidesection 220B, that cantilever away from the middle section 218.Alternatively, the surgical staple 214 can have a different design. Forexample, in one embodiment, the middle section 218 can be other thansubstantially flat, e.g., the middle section 218 can be curved orarched.

Additionally, the surgical staple 214 can be formed from a nitinolsuperelastic material, or another appropriately resilient, flexibleand/or elastic material, such that the surgical staple 214 isselectively movable between a relaxed configuration (illustrated insolid lines FIG. 2A) and an opened configuration (illustrated in phantomin FIG. 2A). As shown in FIG. 2A, when the surgical staple 214 is in therelaxed configuration, each of the side sections 220A, 220B cantileversaway from the middle section 218 at a leg angle 226 that is less thanninety degrees, such that the side sections 220A, 220B are angledslightly toward one another. Further, the leg angle 226 between one sidesection 220A and the middle section 218 can be substantially the same orcan be different than the leg angle 226 between the other side section220B and the middle section 218. In particular, in certain embodiments,each of the side sections 220A, 220B can cantilever away from the middlesection 218 at a leg angle 226 of between approximately 75.0 and 85.0degrees. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments,the leg angle 226 between the side sections 220A, 220B and the middlesection 218 can be approximately 75.0, 77.0, 79.0, 80.0, 81.0, 83.0 or85.0 degrees. Alternatively, the leg angle 226 can be greater than 85.0degrees, less than 75.0 degrees, or another value between 75.0 and 85.0degrees.

When the surgical staple 214 is in the opened configuration, the sidesections 220A, 220B can cantilever away from the middle section 218 at aleg angle 226 of closer to or approximately ninety degrees. In suchconfiguration, the surgical staple 214 can be quickly and easilyinserted into the holes 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1) that have beencreated in the bone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1) to specificallyreceive the surgical staple 214. For example, in certain applications,when the surgical staple 214 is in the opened configuration, each of theside sections 220A, 220B can cantilever away from the middle section 218at a leg angle 226 of approximately 95.0, 94.0, 93.0, 92.0, 91.0, 90.0,89.0, 88.0, 87.0, 86.0, or 85.0 degrees, or at some other leg angle 226.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, each of the side sections 220A, 220Bhas a leg length 228. The leg length 228 of each of the side sections220A, 220B can be varied. In some embodiments, each of the side sections220A, 220B can have a leg length 228 of between approximately 8.0 and12.0 millimeters. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the leg length 228 can be approximately, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0,11.0 or 12.0 millimeters. Alternatively, the leg length 228 can begreater than 12.0 millimeters, less than 8.0 millimeters, or some othervalue between 8.0 and 12.0 millimeters.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, the surgical staple 214 can againinclude a plurality of teeth 224 that are fixedly secured to and/orintegrally formed with each of the side sections 220A, 220B. Asdescribed above, the teeth 224 are sized and shaped to enable easyinsertion of the surgical staple 214, while inhibiting removal of thesurgical staple 214 from the bone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1)after insertion.

The number and size of the teeth 224 can be varied. In some embodiments,the surgical staple 214 can include between approximately three andtwelve teeth 224 that are fixedly secured to and/or integrally formedwith each of the side sections 220A, 220B. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the surgical staple 214 caninclude three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven ortwelve teeth 224 that are fixedly secured to and/or integrally formedwith each of the side sections 220A, 220B. Alternatively, each of theside sections 220A, 220B can be designed to have greater than twelve orless than three teeth 224.

FIG. 2B is a simplified top view of the surgical staple 214 of FIG. 2A.FIG. 2B illustrates certain additional features of this embodiment ofthe surgical staple 214. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the surgicalstaple 214 has a staple width 230, which, as measured, is substantiallyequivalent to the length of the middle section 218 of the surgicalstaple 214. Additionally, in some embodiments, the staple width 230 canbe substantially equal to the leg length 228 (illustrated in FIG. 2A) ofeach of the side sections 220A, 220B (illustrated more clearly in FIG.2A). In certain embodiments, the surgical staple 214 can have a staplewidth 230 of between approximately 8.0 and 12.0 millimeters. Forexample, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the staplewidth 230 can be approximately, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0 or 12.0millimeters. Alternatively, the staple width 230 can be greater than12.0 millimeters, less than 8.0 millimeters, or some other value between8.0 and 12.0 millimeters.

FIG. 2C is a sectional view of the surgical staple 214 taken on line C-Cin FIG. 2A. In particular, FIG. 2C illustrates still further details ofthe surgical staple 214. For example, FIG. 2C illustrates the generalcross-sectional shape of the surgical staple 214, i.e. of the middlesection 218 of the surgical staple 214. As shown, in certainembodiments, the surgical staple 214 can have a generally rectangularcross-section. In particular, in such embodiments, the surgical staple214 can include a body width 232 and a body thickness 234. In someembodiments, the surgical staple 214 can have a body width 232 ofbetween approximately 1.0 and 2.0 millimeters, and a body thickness 234of between approximately 0.8 and 1.6 millimeters. For example, in onenon-exclusive alternative embodiment, the surgical staple 214 can have abody width 232 of approximately 1.5 millimeters and a body thickness 234of approximately 1.2 millimeters. Alternatively, the surgical staple 214can have a body width 232 that is greater than 2.0 millimeters or lessthan 1.0 millimeters, and/or the surgical staple 214 can have a bodythickness 234 that is greater than 1.6 millimeters or less than 0.8millimeters.

Additionally, as illustrated, the end 222 of the side sections (only thefirst side section 220A is illustrated in FIG. 2C) flares outwardlyslightly relative to the majority of the side section 220A and/orrelative to the body width 232. Stated in another manner, the sidesection 220A has a wider end 222 (or foot) design that enables the sidesection 220A to fill the hole 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1) more completelyin the bone part, e.g., the first bone part 10 or the second bone part12 illustrated in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the end 222 can bewider than an upper portion 220U of the side section 220A (i.e. adjacentto the middle section 218) by between approximately 5.0 and 15.0percent. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments,the end 222 can be at least approximately 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0,11.0, 12.0, 13.0, 14.0 or 15.0 percent wider than the upper portion 220Uof the side section 220A. Alternatively, the end 222 can be greater than15.0 percent, less than 5.0 percent, or some other value between 5.0 and15.0 percent wider that the upper portion 220U of the side section 220A.Moreover, as noted above, such design further enables better forcedistribution against the bone part 10, 12, and greater movement of thebone part 10, 12, which, in turn, results in better bone to bonecompression.

Further, FIG. 2C also illustrates the general shape of the teeth 224that are fixedly secured to and/or integrally formed with each of theside sections 220A. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, each of the teeth224 tapers inwardly toward the top of the tooth 224.

FIG. 2D is a simplified bottom view of a portion of the surgical staple214 of FIG. 2A. More specifically, FIG. 2D more clearly illustratescertain design aspects of the end 222 of the side section 220A.Additionally, FIG. 2D further illustrates that in certain embodiments,the teeth 224 can have a rounded profile as the teeth 224 extend awayfrom the remainder of the side section 220A.

FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of a portion of the surgical staple 214 asindicated by circle and arrows E-E in FIG. 2A. In particular, FIG. 2Emore clearly illustrates certain design aspects of the teeth 224 thatare fixedly secured to and/or integrally formed with the side section220A. For example, FIG. 2E illustrates a tooth height 236, a tooth depth238 and a tooth angle 240 of the teeth 224.

In certain embodiments, the tooth height 236 can be betweenapproximately 1.00 and 1.30 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the tooth height 236 can beapproximately 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25 or 1.30 millimeters.Alternatively, the tooth height 236 can be greater than 1.30millimeters, less than 1.00 millimeters, or some other value between1.00 and 1.30 millimeters.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the tooth depth 238 can be betweenapproximately 0.30 and 0.50 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the tooth depth 238 can beapproximately 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45 or 0.50 millimeters. Alternatively,the tooth depth 238 can be greater than 0.50 millimeters, less than 0.30millimeters, or some other value between 0.30 and 0.50 millimeters.

Further, in certain embodiments, the tooth angle 240 can be betweenapproximately 60.0 and 80.0 degrees. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the tooth angle 240 can beapproximately 60.0, 62.5, 65.0, 67.5, 70.0, 72.5, 75.0, 77.5 or 80.0degrees. Alternatively, the tooth angle 240 can be greater than 80.0degrees, less than 60.0 degrees, or some other value between 60.0 and80.0 degrees.

Still further, FIG. 2E also illustrates that the end 222 of the sidesection 220A can be narrower in cross-section than the majority of theside section 220A to better enable insertion of the surgical staple 214into the bone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

FIG. 3A is a simplified perspective view of another embodiment of asurgical staple 314 having features of the present invention. Asillustrated, the surgical staple 314 illustrated and described in FIG.3A is somewhat similar to the surgical staple 214 illustrated anddescribed above in relation to FIGS. 2A-2E. For example, the surgicalstaple 314 again includes a substantially flat middle section 318 andtwo side sections 320A, 320B that cantilever away from the middlesection 318. Additionally, as in the previous embodiment, the surgicalstaple 314 can be selectively movable between a relaxed configuration(as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3B) and an opened configuration(as illustrated in FIG. 3C). More specifically, when the surgical staple314 is in the relaxed configuration, the side sections 320A, 320B canagain cantilever away from the middle section 318 at an angle of lessthan ninety degrees such that the side sections 318 are angled slightlytoward one another. In some embodiments, the side sections 320A, 320Bcan also include one or more teeth (not illustrated) that are fixedlysecured to and/or integrally formed with each of the side sections 320A,320B.

In this embodiment, the middle section 318 is substantially narrow plateshaped. Additionally, in this embodiment, the surgical staple 314includes a pair of screw apertures 342 that extend through a top surface344 of the middle section 318 of the surgical staple 314 and through thelength of the side sections 320A, 320B such that the screw aperture 342extends through an end 346 of the side section 320A, 320B away from themiddle section 318. Each of the screw apertures 342 is adapted toreceive a screw 348 that is designed to be inserted into one of theholes 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1) in the bone parts 10, 12 (illustratedin FIG. 1). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, each of the screws348 is threaded and/or extended fully through the corresponding screwaperture 342 such that the screw 348 extends outwardly beyond the end346 of the side section 320A, 320B. With this design, the side sections320A, 320B can extend part way into the depth of the holes 16 in thebone parts 10, 12, and the screws 348 can be threaded further into theholes 16 in the bone parts 10, 12 so that the surgical staple 314 ismore securely retained within the holes 16 in the bone parts 10, 12.

Additionally, as with the surgical staple 214 illustrated and describedabove in relation to FIGS. 2A-2E, in one embodiment, the surgical staple314 can be formed from a nitinol superelastic material. Alternatively,the surgical staple 314 can be made from another appropriatelyresilient, flexible and/or elastic material. Further, as illustrated,the surgical staple 314 can have a unitary construction such that thesurgical staple 314 is formed from a single piece of nitinolsuperelastic material, or other appropriate material. With this design,the connections between the middle section 318 and each of the sidesections 320A, 320B can be slightly rounded. Alternatively, the surgicalstaple 314 can be made of individual sections that are secured together.

With the design of the surgical staple 314 as illustrated and describedherein, the surgical staple 314 can achieve certain desired benefits.For example, (i) the nitinol superelastic plate, i.e. middle section318, combines the rigidity of a plate with the compression of asuperelastic staple; (ii) such a surgical staple 314 can utilize eitherlocking or non-locking screws 348; (iii) the surgical staple 314 isplaced similar to placing a more traditional staple, i.e. by using adrill guide, with an inserter holding the side sections 320A, 320Bsubstantially straight during insertion; (iv) the screws 348 inserteddown through the screw apertures 342 in the side sections 320A, 320Bimprove the strength and stability characteristics of the surgicalstaple 314; (v) the surgical staple 314 can include up to six screwapertures 342 is certain alternative embodiments to accommodatedifferent size requirements; and (vi) the surgical staple 314 can bemanufactured from nitinol sheet or tube stock.

FIG. 3B is a simplified front view of the surgical staple 314 of FIG.3A, wherein the surgical staple 314 is in the relaxed configuration. Inparticular, FIG. 3B illustrates that when the surgical staple 314 is inthe relaxed configuration, each of the side sections 320A, 320B cancantilever away from the middle section 318 at a leg angle 326 that isless than ninety degrees. In particular, in certain embodiments, theside sections 320A, 320B can cantilever away from the middle section 318at a leg angle 326 of between approximately 75.0 and 85.0 degrees. Forexample, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the leg angle326 between the side sections 320A, 320B and the middle section 318 canbe approximately 75.0, 77.0, 79.0, 80.0, 81.0, 83.0 or 85.0 degrees.Alternatively, the leg angle 326 can be greater than 85.0 degrees, lessthan 75.0 degrees, or another value between 75.0 and 85.0 degrees.

It should be noted that, as with the previous embodiment, the leg angle326 between one side section 320A and the middle section 318 can besubstantially the same as or can be different than the leg angle 326between the other side section 320B and the middle section 310. Thus,FIG. 3B further illustrates a flex angle 350 that shows the angle of oneside section 320A relative to the other side section 320B. In certainembodiments, the flex angle 350 can be between approximately 15.0 and25.0 degrees. For example, in some non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the flex angle 350 can be approximately 15.0, 17.0, 19.0,20.0, 21.0, 23.0 or 25.0 degrees. Alternatively, the flex angle 350 canbe greater than 25.0 degrees, less than 15.0 degrees, or some othervalue between 15.0 and 25.0 degrees.

FIG. 3C is a simplified front view of the surgical staple 314 of FIG.3A, wherein the surgical staple 314 is in the opened configuration. Inparticular, FIG. 3C illustrates the surgical staple 314 after thesurgical staple 314 has been moved to the opened configuration in anysuitable manner, e.g., manually, automatically, and/or with the use of atool. When the surgical staple 214 is in the opened configuration, theside sections 320A, 320B can cantilever away from the middle section 318at a leg angle 326 of closer to or approximately ninety degrees, suchthat the surgical staple 314 can be quickly and easily inserted into theholes 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1) that have been created in the boneparts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1) to specifically receive thesurgical staple 314. For example, in certain applications, when thesurgical staple 314 is in the opened configuration, each of the sidesections 320A, 320B can cantilever away from the middle section 318 at aleg angle 326 of approximately 95.0, 94.0, 93.0, 92.0, 91.0, 90.0, 89.0,88.0, 87.0, 86.0, or 85.0 degrees. Alternatively, the leg angle 326 inthe opened configuration can be greater than 95.0 degrees, less than85.0 degrees, or some other value between 85.0 and 95.0 degrees.

Additionally, FIG. 3C further illustrates how the screw apertures 342(illustrated in phantom) extend fully through each of the side sections320A, 320B to enable the screws 348 to be threaded and/or extended fullythrough the side sections 320A, 320B. As noted above, with this design,the side sections 320A, 320B can extend part way into the depth of theholes 16 in the bone parts 10, 12, and the screws 348 can be threadedfurther into the holes 16 in the bone parts 10, 12 so that the surgicalstaple 314 is more securely retained within the holes 16 in the boneparts 10, 12.

Further, FIG. 3C also illustrates a plate thickness 351 of the middlesection 318. In some embodiments, the plate thickness 351 can be betweenapproximately 1.0 and 2.0 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the plate thickness 351 can beapproximately 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 millimeters.Alternatively, the plate thickness 351 can be greater than 2.0millimeters, less than 1.0 millimeters, or some other value between 1.0and 2.0 millimeters.

FIG. 3D is a simplified top view of the surgical staple 314 of FIG. 3A.In particular, FIG. 3D illustrates certain design aspects of the middlesection 318 of the surgical staple 314. As illustrated, in someembodiments, the middle section 318 can be a substantiallyrectangular-shaped plate having a plate width 352 and a plate length354. In some such embodiments, the middle section 318 can have a platewidth 352 of between approximately 2.0 millimeters and 6.0 millimeters,and the middle section 318 can have a plate length 354 of betweenapproximately 7.0 millimeters and 15.0 millimeters. For example, incertain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the plate width 352 canbe approximately 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 or 6.0millimeters, and the plate length 354 can be approximately 7.0, 8.0,9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0, 14.0 or 15.0 millimeters. Alternatively,the plate width 352 can be greater than 6.0 millimeters, less than 2.0millimeters, or some other value between 2.0 and 6.0 millimeters; and/orthe plate length 354 can be greater than 15.0 millimeters, less than 7.0millimeters, or some other value between 7.0 and 15.0 millimeters. Stillalternatively, the middle section 318 can be other than substantiallyrectangular-shaped.

FIG. 4A is a simplified front view of still another embodiment of asurgical staple 414 having features of the present invention. Asillustrated, the surgical staple 414 is somewhat similar to the surgicalstaple 214 illustrated and described above in relation to FIGS. 2A-2E.For example, the surgical staple 414 again includes a middle section 418and two side sections 420A, 420B that cantilever away from the middlesection 418. Additionally, the surgical staple 414 can again beselectively movable between a relaxed configuration and an openedconfiguration (not illustrated). In particular, as illustrated in FIG.4A, the surgical staple 414 is in the relaxed configuration, such thatthe side sections 420A, 420B cantilever away from the middle section 418at a leg angle 426 of less than ninety degrees. Moreover, as shown, withthis design the side sections 420A, 420B are angled slightly toward oneanother.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the surgical staple 414 againincludes a plurality of teeth 424 that are fixedly secured to and/orintegrally formed with each of the side sections 420A, 420B. As with theprevious embodiment, the teeth 424 are sized and shaped to enable easyinsertion of the surgical staple 414 into the holes 16 (illustrated inFIG. 1) in the bone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1), whileinhibiting removal of the surgical staple 414 from the holes 16 in thebone parts 10, 12 after insertion.

However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the middle section418 has a different design. In particular, as illustrated, the middlesection 418 has a stepped design wherein a first middle portion 418A iscoupled to and offset from a second middle portion 418B. Stated inanother manner, the first middle portion 418A is stepped down relativeto the second middle portion 418B. The offset between the first middleportion 418A and the second middle portion 418B can be described and/ordefined in terms of an offset distance 456 and/or an offset angle 458.

In certain embodiments, the first middle portion 418A can be offset fromthe second middle portion 418B by an offset distance 456 of betweenapproximately 2.0 millimeters and 9.0 millimeters. For example, incertain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the offset distance 456between the first middle portion 418A and the second middle portion 418Bcan be approximately 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0millimeters. Alternatively, the offset distance 456 between the firstmiddle portion 418A and the second middle portion 418B can be greaterthan 9.0 millimeters, less than 2.0 millimeters, or some other valuebetween 2.0 and 9.0 millimeters.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the offset angle 458 between thefirst middle portion 418A and the second middle portion 418B can bebetween approximately thirty and eighty degrees. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the offset angle 458 between thefirst middle portion 418A and the second middle portion 418B can beapproximately, thirty, thirty-five, forty, forty-five, fifty,fifty-five, sixty, sixty-five, seventy, seventy-five or eighty degrees.Alternatively, the offset angle 458 can be greater than eighty degrees,less than thirty degrees, or some other value between thirty and eightydegrees.

The surgical staple 414 illustrated in FIG. 3A can be utilized forvarious purposes where a step displacement exists between two bonepieces. For example, one possible application for the surgical staple414 is during repair of the calcaneus (or heel bone) of the foot. Inparticular, the surgical staple 414 can be utilized to hold a calcanealslide. During a procedure related to the calcaneus, alignment in thehind-foot can be corrected by resecting and displacing the two resectedpieces of the calcaneus. This corrective resection causes a stepdisplacement between the two resected pieces of the calcaneus thatgenerally ranges from two millimeters to nine millimeters, althoughdifferent step displacements are also possible. Thereafter, the surgicalstaple 414 can be used to hold the two displaced pieces of the calcaneusin place while healing.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the second side section 420B has aleg length 428 that can be varied depending on the desired usage of thesurgical staple 414. In some embodiments, the second side section 420Bcan have a leg length 428 of between approximately 16.0 and 24.0millimeters. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the leg length 428 of the second side section 420B can beapproximately 16.0, 17.0, 18.0, 19.0, 20.0, 21.0, 22.0, 23.0 or 24.0millimeters. Alternatively, the leg length 428 of the second sidesection 420B can be greater than 24.0 millimeters, less than 16.0millimeters, or some other value between 16.0 and 24.0 millimeters.

It should be noted that, in different embodiments, the first sidesection 420A can have a length that is substantially equal to ordifferent than the leg length 428 of the second side section 420B.

FIG. 4B is a simplified top view of the surgical staple 414 of FIG. 4A.FIG. 4B illustrates certain additional features of this embodiment ofthe surgical staple 414. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the surgicalstaple 414 has a staple width 430 that can be substantially equal to theleg length 428 (illustrated in FIG. 2A). In certain embodiments, thesurgical staple 414 can have a staple width 430 of between approximately16.0 and 24.0 millimeters. For example, in certain non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the staple width 430 can be approximately 16.0,17.0, 18.0, 19.0, 20.0, 21.0, 22.0, 23.0 or 24.0 millimeters.Alternatively, the staple width 430 can be greater than 24.0millimeters, less than 16.0 millimeters, or some other value between16.0 and 24.0 millimeters.

FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the surgical staple 414 taken on line C-Cin FIG. 4A. In particular, FIG. 4C illustrates still further details ofthe surgical staple 414. For example, FIG. 2C illustrates that the end422 of the side sections (only the first side section 420A isillustrated in FIG. 4C) flares outwardly slightly relative to themajority of the side section 420A. Stated in another manner, the sidesection 420A has a wider end 422 (or foot) design that enables the sidesection 420A to fill the hole 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1) more completelyin the bone part, e.g., the first bone part 10 or the second bone part12 illustrated in FIG. 1. Moreover, as noted above, such design furtherenables better force distribution against the bone part 10, 12, andgreater movement of the bone part 10, 12, which, in turn, result inbetter bone to bone compression.

Further, FIG. 4C also illustrates the general shape of the teeth 424that are fixedly secured to and/or integrally formed with each of theside sections 420A. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, each of the teeth424 again tapers inwardly toward the top of the tooth 424.

FIG. 4D is an enlarged view of a portion of the surgical staple 414 asindicated by circle and arrows D-D in FIG. 4A. In particular, FIG. 4Dmore clearly illustrates certain design aspects of the teeth 424 thatare fixedly secured to and/or integrally formed with the side section420A. For example, FIG. 4D illustrates a tooth height 436, a tooth depth438 and a tooth angle 440 of the teeth 424.

In certain embodiments, the tooth height 436 can be betweenapproximately 1.00 and 1.30 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the tooth height 436 can beapproximately 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25 or 1.30 millimeters.Alternatively, the tooth height 436 can be greater than 1.30millimeters, less than 1.00 millimeters, or some other value between1.00 and 1.30 millimeters.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the tooth depth 438 can be betweenapproximately 0.40 and 0.60 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the tooth depth 438 can beapproximately 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55 or 0.60 millimeters. Alternatively,the tooth depth 438 can be greater than 0.60 millimeters, less than 0.40millimeters, or some other value between 0.40 and 0.60 millimeters.

Further, in certain embodiments, the tooth angle 440 can be betweenapproximately 55.0 and 75.0 degrees. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the tooth angle 440 can beapproximately 55.0, 57.5, 60.0, 62.5, 65.0, 67.5, 70.0, 72.5 or 75.0degrees. Alternatively, the tooth angle 440 can be greater than 75.0degrees, less than 55.0 degrees, or some other value between 55.0 and75.0 degrees.

Still further, FIG. 4D also illustrates that the end 422 of the sidesection 420A can be narrower in cross-section than the majority of theside section 420A to better enable insertion of the surgical staple 414into the bone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

FIG. 5A is a simplified front view of yet another embodiment of asurgical staple 514 having features of the present invention. Moreover,it should be noted that the surgical staple 514 is illustrated in therelaxed configuration. As illustrated, the surgical staple 514 issubstantially similar to the surgical staples 214, 414 illustrated anddescribed above in relation to FIGS. 2A-2E and FIGS. 4A-4D,respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the surgical staple 514is again somewhat horseshoe shaped, including a middle section 518 andtwo side sections 520A, 520B that cantilever away from the middlesection 518. Additionally, when in the relaxed configuration, each ofthe side sections 520A, 520B can cantilever away from the middle section518 at a leg angle 526 of less than ninety degrees such that the sidesections 520A, 520B are angled slightly toward one another. Further,each side section 520A, 520B again has an end 522 that is somewhattapered such that the end 522 is narrower in cross-section than themajority of the side section 520A, 520B to better enable insertion ofthe surgical staple 514. Still further, each side section 520A, 520B canagain include a plurality of teeth 524 that are angled so as to enableeasy insertion of the surgical staple 514 into the holes 16 (illustratedin FIG. 1) in the bone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1), whileinhibiting removal of the surgical staple 514 from the holes 16 in thebone parts 10, 12.

However, in this embodiment, the middle section 518 has a differentdesign. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5A, the middle section 518 issomewhat curved or arched, i.e. about a staple axis 560. The curvatureof the middle section 518 can be described and/or defined in terms of aradius of curvature 562 (illustrated by a dotted line) and/or an angleof curvature 564.

In certain embodiments, the middle section 518 can have a radius ofcurvature 562 that is between approximately 25.0 and 95.0 millimeters.For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, themiddle section 518 can have a radius of curvature 562 of approximately25.0, 30.0, 35.0, 40.0, 45.0, 50.0, 55.0, 60.0, 65.0, 70.0, 75.0, 80.0,85.0, 90.0 or 95.0 millimeters. Alternatively, the middle section 518can have a radius of curvature 562 of greater than 95.0 millimeters,less than 25.0 millimeters, or another value between 25.0 and 95.0millimeters.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the middle section 518 can have anangle of curvature 564 that is between approximately 15.0 and 35.0degrees. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments,the middle section 518 can have an angle of curvature 564 ofapproximately 15.0, 17.5, 20.0, 22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5 or 35.0degrees. Alternatively, the middle section 518 can have an angle ofcurvature 564 of greater than 35.0 degrees, less than 15.0 degrees, oranother value between 15.0 and 35.0 degrees.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the side sections 520A, 520B have aleg length 528 that can be varied depending on the desired usage of thesurgical staple 514. In some embodiments, the side sections 520A, 520Bcan have a leg length 528 of between approximately 15.0 and 22.0millimeters. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the leg length 528 of the side sections 520A, 520B can beapproximately 15.0, 16.0, 17.0, 18.0, 19.0, 20.0, 21.0 or 22.0millimeters. Alternatively, the leg length 528 of the side sections520A, 520B can be greater than 22.0 millimeters, less than 15.0millimeters, or some other value between 15.0 and 22.0 millimeters.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the surgical staple 514 asindicated by circle and arrows B-B in FIG. 5A. In particular, FIG. 5Bmore clearly illustrates certain design aspects of the teeth 524 thatare fixedly secured to and/or integrally formed with the side sections520A. For example, FIG. 5B illustrates a tooth height 536, a tooth depth538 and a tooth angle 540 of the teeth 524.

In certain embodiments, the tooth height 536 can again be betweenapproximately 1.00 and 1.30 millimeters, although different values forthe tooth height 536 are also possible. Additionally, in certainembodiments, the tooth depth 538 can again be between approximately 0.40and 0.60 millimeters, although different values for the tooth depth 538are also possible. Further, in certain embodiments, the tooth angle 540can again be between approximately 55.0 and 75.0 degrees, althoughdifferent values for the tooth angle 540 are also possible.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the tooth 524 nearest the end522 of the side section 520A can be positioned at an initial toothdistance 566 of between approximately 2.00 and 2.50 millimeters from theend 522 of the side section 520A. For example, in certain non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the initial tooth distance 566 can beapproximately 2.00, 2.05, 2.10, 2.15, 2.20, 2.25, 2.30, 2.35, 2.40, 2.45or 2.50 millimeters. Alternatively, the initial tooth distance 566 canbe greater than 2.50 millimeters, less than 2.00 millimeters, or someother value between 2.00 and 2.50 millimeters.

FIG. 5C is a simplified top view of the surgical staple 514 of FIG. 5A.FIG. 5C illustrates certain additional features of this embodiment ofthe surgical staple 514 from the perspective of looking down on themiddle section 518 of the surgical staple 514. For example, as shown inFIG. 5C, the surgical staple 514 has a staple width 530 that can bebetween approximately 15.0 and 25.0 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the staple width 530 can beapproximately 15.0, 16.0, 17.0, 18.0, 19.0, 20.0, 21.0, 22.0, 23.0, 24.0or 25.0 millimeters. Alternatively, the staple width 530 can be greaterthan 25.0 millimeters, less than 15.0 millimeters, or some other valuebetween 15.0 and 25.0 millimeters.

FIG. 5D is a sectional view of the surgical staple 514 taken on line D-Din FIG. 5A. In particular, FIG. 5D illustrates still further details ofthe surgical staple 514. More specifically, FIG. 5D illustrates certaindetails of the teeth 524 that may be included as part of the surgicalstaple 514.

FIG. 6 is a simplified front view of still another embodiment of asurgical staple 614 having features of the present invention. It shouldbe noted that the surgical staple 614 is illustrated in the relaxedconfiguration. As illustrated, the surgical staple 614 is substantiallysimilar to the surgical staple 314 illustrated and described above inrelation to FIGS. 3A-3D. For example, the surgical staple 614 againincludes a resilient, plate-shaped middle section 618 and two sidesections 620A, 620B that cantilever away from the middle section 618.More specifically, when the surgical staple 614 is in the relaxedconfiguration, the side sections 620A, 620B can again cantilever awayfrom the middle section 618 such that the side sections 618 are angledslightly toward one another. Alternatively, in one embodiment, in theopen configuration, the middle section 618 is generally flat with theside sections 620A, 620B substantially normal to the middle section 618.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the surgical staple 614 again includesa pair of screw apertures 642 (illustrated in phantom) that extendthrough a top surface 644 of the middle section 618 of the surgicalstaple 614 and through the length of the side sections 620A, 620B suchthat the screw aperture 642 extends through an end 646 of the sidesection 620A, 620B away from the middle section 618. Each of the screwapertures 642 is again adapted to receive a screw 648 that is designedto be inserted into one of the holes 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1) in thebone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

Additionally, in some embodiments, the side sections 620A, 620B can alsoinclude one or more teeth (not illustrated) that are fixedly secured toand/or integrally formed with each of the side sections 620A, 620B.

However, in this embodiment, the middle section 618 has a differentdesign. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, in the relaxed configuration,the middle section 618 is somewhat curved or arched. Similar to theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the curvature of the middlesection 618 can be described and/or defined in terms of a radius ofcurvature (not illustrated in FIG. 6) and/or an angle of curvature 664.In certain embodiments, the angle of curvature 664 of the middle section618 can be approximately equal to the angle of the side sections 620A,620B relative to one another. In some non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the angle of curvature 664 can be between approximately16.0 degrees and 24.0 degrees. Alternatively, the angle of curvature 664can be greater than 24.0 degrees or less than 16.0 degrees.

Alternatively, in the open configuration, the resilient middle section618 is deformed to be generally flat, with the side sections 620A, 620Band screws 648 being substantially normal to the middle section 618.With this design, with the middle section 618 held in the openconfiguration with an insertion tool (not shown), the screws 648 can beeasily inserted into the bone parts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1). Thethreads of the screws 648 will engage and retain the bone parts 10, 12.Subsequently, upon release of the middle section 618 with the tool, theresilient middle section 618, that is biased to return to the relaxedconfiguration, will urge the bone parts 10, 12 together.

FIG. 7A is a simplified perspective view of still yet another embodimentof a surgical staple 714 having features of the present invention. Thesurgical staple is again selectively movable between a relaxedconfiguration (as shown in FIG. 7A) and an opened configuration (notillustrated). As illustrated, the surgical staple 714 is somewhatsimilar to the surgical staple 614 illustrated and described above inrelation to FIG. 6. For example, the surgical staple 714 again includesa plate-shaped middle section 718 that is somewhat curved or arched.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the surgical staple 714 again includesa pair of screw apertures 742 that extend through the middle section 718of the surgical staple 714. As illustrated, one of the screw apertures742 is positioned substantially near or adjacent to a first end 768F ofthe middle section 718, and the other screw aperture 742 is positionedsubstantially near or adjacent to a second end 768S of the middlesection 718. Alternatively, the screw apertures 742 can be positionedwithin a different portion of the middle section 718 than specificallyillustrated in FIG. 7A. Each of the screw apertures 742 is again adaptedto receive a screw 748 that is designed to be inserted into one of theholes 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1) in the bone parts 10, 12 (illustratedin FIG. 1).

However, in this embodiment, the surgical staple 714 is designed withoutside sections that cantilever away from the middle section 718. Statedin another manner, the surgical staple 714 includes only the middlesection 718 and the screws 748 that extend through the screw apertures742. Further, when the surgical staple 714 is in the relaxedconfiguration, as the screws 748 extend through and away from the middlesection 718, the screws 748 are angled slightly toward one another.

FIG. 7B is a simplified top view of the surgical staple 714 of FIG. 7A.As illustrated, in some embodiments, the middle section 718 of thesurgical staple 714 can be a substantially rectangular-shaped platehaving a plate width 752 and a plate length 754. In some suchembodiments, the middle section 718 can have a plate width 752 ofbetween approximately 6.0 and 8.5 millimeters, and the middle section718 can have a plate length 754 of between approximately 15.0 and 50.0millimeters. Alternatively, the plate width 752 can be greater than 8.5millimeters or less than 6.0 millimeters, and/or the plate length 754can be greater than 50.0 millimeters or less than 15.0 millimeters.Still alternatively, the middle section 718 can be other thansubstantially rectangular-shaped.

FIG. 7C is a sectional view of the surgical staple 714 taken on line C-Cin FIG. 7B. In particular, FIG. 7C illustrates the curvature of themiddle section 718 in greater detail. Similar to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, the curvature of the middle section 718 can bedescribed and/or defined in terms of a radius of curvature (notillustrated) and/or an angle of curvature 764. In certain embodiments,the angle of curvature 764 can be between approximately 16.0 degrees and26.0 degrees. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the angle of curvature 764 can be approximately 16.0, 17.0,18.0, 19.0, 20.0, 21.0, 22.0, 23.0, 24.0, 25.0 or 26.0 degrees.Alternatively, the angle of curvature 764 can be greater than 26.0degrees, less than 16.0 degrees, or some other value between 16.0 and26.0 degrees.

Additionally, FIG. 7C also illustrates a plate deflection 770 of themiddle section 718. The plate deflection 770 is the distance the middlesection arcs or deflects downward from a center 718C of the middlesection 718 to an end, i.e. the first end 768F or the second end 768S,of the middle section 718 when the middle section 718 is in the relaxedconfiguration. In some non-exclusive embodiments, the plate deflection770 of the middle section 718 can be between approximately 2.0millimeters and 3.0 millimeters. For example, in certain non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the plate deflection 770 can be approximately2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8 or 3.0 millimeters. Alternatively, theplate deflection 770 can be greater than 3.0 millimeters, less than 2.0millimeters, or some other value between 2.0 and 3.0 millimeters.

Further, FIG. 7C also illustrates a plate thickness 751 of the middlesection 718. In some embodiments, the plate thickness 751 can be betweenapproximately 1.0 and 2.0 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the plate thickness 751 can beapproximately 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 millimeters.Alternatively, the plate thickness 751 can be greater than 2.0millimeters, less than 1.0 millimeters, or some other value between 1.0and 2.0 millimeters.

Still further, FIG. 7C also illustrates a screw length 772. The screwlength 7720 can vary depending on the specific requirements of thesurgical staple 714. In certain embodiments, the screw length 772 can bebetween approximately 20.0 and 35.0 millimeters. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the screw length 772 can beapproximately 20.0, 22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5 or 35.0 millimetersAlternatively, the screw length 772 can be greater than 35.0millimeters, less than 20.0 millimeters, or some other value between20.0 and 35.0 millimeters.

In one embodiment, in the open configuration, the resilient middlesection 718 is deformed to be generally flat, with the screws 748 beingsubstantially normal to the middle section 718. With this design, withthe middle section 718 held in the open configuration with an insertiontool (not shown), the screws 748 can be easily inserted into the boneparts 10, 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1). The threads of the screws 748 willengage and retain the bone parts 10, 12. Subsequently, upon release ofthe middle section 718 with the tool, the resilient middle section 718,that is biased to return to the relaxed configuration, will urge thebone parts 10, 12 together.

The various designs and embodiments of a surgical staple 14 illustratedand described herein can be effectively utilized for one or more of thereasons cited to herein above. For example, the surgical staples 14having features of the present invention can be effectively utilized (i)for closure of the skin in a wide variety of surgical procedures; (ii)to move and/or maintain bones or bone parts substantially adjacent toone another after certain surgical procedures; and/or (iii) to compressand hold together in place two displaced pieces of bone while healing.Further, any of the embodiments of the surgical staple 14 illustratedand described herein can be made from a nitinol superelastic material oranother appropriately resilient, flexible and/or elastic material.Additionally and/or alternatively, the surgical staples 14 can beutilized for other suitable purposes.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of a surgical staple14 have been shown and disclosed herein above, those of skill in the artwill recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions andsub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the surgicalstaple 14 shall be interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their truespirit and scope, and no limitations are intended to the details ofconstruction or design herein shown.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical staple for inserting into one or morebone parts, the surgical staple being selectively movable between arelaxed configuration and an opened configuration, the surgical staplecomprising: a plate including a first end, an opposed second end, afirst aperture that is positioned near the first end, and a secondaperture that is positioned near the second end, wherein the plate iscurved along a length of the plate from the first end to the second end;a first screw that extends through the first aperture; and a secondscrew that extends through the second aperture, wherein the first screwand the second screw are angled toward one another when the surgicalstaple is in the relaxed configuration.
 2. The surgical staple of claim1 wherein the plate has an angle of curvature of between approximately16.0 and 26.0 degrees.
 3. The surgical staple of claim 1 wherein theplate includes a center that is positioned between and spaced apart fromthe first end and the second end, and wherein the plate has a platedeflection from the center to the first end of between approximately 2.0and 3.0 millimeters.
 4. The surgical staple of claim 1 furthercomprising a first side section and a second side section thatcantilever away from the plate, the first side section cantileveringaway from the plate near the first end, and the second side sectioncantilevering away from the plate near the second end.
 5. The surgicalstaple of claim 4 wherein the first screw extends through the first sidesection, and wherein the second screw extends through the second sidesection.
 6. The surgical staple of claim 4 wherein the first sidesection and the second side section are angled toward one another whenthe surgical staple is in the relaxed configuration.
 7. The surgicalstaple of claim 6 wherein the first side section cantilevers away fromthe plate at a leg angle of between approximately 75.0 and 85.0 degreeswhen the surgical staple is in the relaxed configuration.
 8. Thesurgical staple of claim 1 wherein the plate is made from a resilientmaterial
 9. A surgical staple for inserting into one or more bone parts,the surgical staple being selectively movable between a relaxedconfiguration and an opened configuration, the surgical staplecomprising: a middle section; and a first side section that cantileversaway from the middle section, the first side section including an upperportion that is positioned substantially adjacent to the middle sectionand an end that is positioned away from the middle section, wherein theend is at least approximately five percent wider than the upper portion.10. The surgical staple of claim 9 wherein the end is at leastapproximately fifteen percent wider than the upper portion.
 11. Thesurgical staple of claim 9 further comprising a second side section thatcantilevers away from the middle section, the second side sectionincluding an upper portion that is positioned substantially adjacent tothe middle section and an end that is positioned away from the middlesection, wherein the end is at least approximately five percent widerthan the upper portion.
 12. The surgical staple of claim 11 wherein themiddle section includes a first end and an opposed second end, whereinthe first side section cantilevers away from the middle section near thefirst end, and wherein the second side section cantilevers away from themiddle section near the second end.
 13. The surgical staple of claim 12wherein the first side section and the second side section are angledtoward one another when the surgical staple is in the relaxedconfiguration.
 14. The surgical staple of claim 12 wherein the middlesection includes first aperture that is positioned near the first endand a second aperture that is positioned near the second end, andfurther comprising (i) a first screw that extends through the firstaperture and through the first side section, and (ii) a second screwthat extends through the second end and through the second side section.15. The surgical staple of claim 9 wherein the first side sectioncantilevers away from the middle section at a leg angle of betweenapproximately 75.0 and 85.0 degrees when the surgical staple is in therelaxed configuration.
 16. The surgical staple of claim 9 wherein themiddle section and the first side section are made from a resilientmaterial.
 17. A method for compressing a first bone part and a secondbone part, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a platesubstantially adjacent to at least one of the first bone part and thesecond bone part, the plate including a first end, an opposed secondend, a first aperture that is positioned near the first end, and asecond aperture that is positioned near the second end, the plate beingcurved along a length of the plate from the first end to the second end,and the plate being selectively movable between a relaxed configurationand an opened configuration; extending a first screw through the firstaperture and into the first bone part; and extending a second screwthrough the second aperture and into the second bone part, the firstscrew and the second screw being angled toward one another when theplate is in the relaxed configuration.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the step of positioning includes the plate having an angle ofcurvature of between approximately 16.0 and 26.0 degrees
 19. The methodof claim 17 further comprising the steps of coupling a first sidesection to the plate near the first end, coupling a second side sectionto the plate near the second end, extending the first screw through thefirst side section, and extending the second screw through the secondside section.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of couplingthe first side section includes the first side section cantileveringaway from the plate at a leg angle of between approximately 75.0 and85.0 degrees when the plate is in the relaxed configuration.